Androgynous. That’s the first word that comes to mind looking at the Shepherd and Sheep sculpture. This bronze masterpiece stands proudly in Paternoster Square. It’s more than just a pretty face though. The Shepherd and Sheep sculpture is a captivating piece of art. It’s a powerful symbol of London’s past.
Created by the talented Elisabeth Frink in 1975 the Shepherd and Sheep isn’t just a random collection of bronze. It was commissioned by Trafalgar House. They wanted something special for their new development in Paternoster Square. The sculpture’s location isn’t accidental. Paternoster Square once housed Newgate Market. This market was famous for its livestock and meat trade. Frink’s art pays tribute to that history. The sheep’s presence recalls this important part of London’s heritage.
The shepherd herding five sheep isn’t just a simple scene. Some believe it reflects the Good Shepherd. This is a fitting image considering the sculpture’s proximity to St Paul’s Cathedral. The ambiguity is intriguing. The shepherd could be male female or neither. This ambiguity adds to the sculpture’s mystery.
There’s more to the story. Frink’s time in the Cévennes region of France may have inspired her. She spent time there at her husband’s vineyard. The landscape is dotted with sheep and shepherds. It also possibly reflects Frink’s admiration for Picasso’s Man with Sheep. This 1944 bronze sculpture left a mark on Frink’s work. She may have even played on the similarity between “paternoster” meaning “Our Father” and “pastor” meaning shepherd. This clever wordplay adds another layer of meaning.
The Shepherd and Sheep sculpture wasn’t always in its current location. It was temporarily moved in 1997. The area was undergoing redevelopment. After the construction the sculpture found a new home. In 2003 it was reinstalled on a beautiful Portland stone plinth. It has found its permanent place. This fascinating piece of public art is a must-see for any visitor to London. It’s a conversation starter. It’s a reflection of London’s rich past and artistic spirit. The Shepherd and Sheep sculpture is a true testament to Frink’s talent.